Book Review: JUST A MINUTE: A TRICKSTER TALE AND COUNTING BOOK

Book Review, Genre 2: JUST A MINUTE: A TRICKSTER TALE AND COUNTING BOOK

Author: Yuyi Morales

Title: Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book

Illustrator: Sara Gillingham

Publisher: Chronicle Books LLC

Publication Date: 2003

ISBN: 0-8118-3758-0

Plot summary: Senor Calavera (death) shows up at Grandma Beetle’s house ready to take her away, but Grandma Beetle asks for just a minute to finish a few chores before she leaves. Readers can count from one to ten in English and in Spanish as the book progresses until they find out just who is the true trickster in this trickster tale and counting book!

Critical analysis: If you judged this book by its cover, you would think the skeleton (Senor Calavera) is the trickster in this trickster tale. However, you would be wrong. Senor Calavera, also known as death, attempts to take away Grandma Beetle. However, Grandma Beetle has chores to complete before she is ready to go. Senor Calavera is patient at first, then tries to hurry Grandma Beetle, and finally stays for the party that Grandma Beetle is preparing for: her own birthday party with her grandchildren. Senor Calavera is pleasantly surprised to be included in the festivities and leaves without Grandma Beetle but promises to return next year for another great party.

The illustrations are colorful, just as you would expect with a Hispanic traditional tale. Children will enjoy counting from one to ten in both English and Spanish. Be sure to point out the changing expressions on the face of Senor Calavera and how they contrast with the tranquil expressions of Grandma Beetle. There are many cultural references and opportunities to discuss the foods and party favors mentioned in the story. Children of all ages will enjoy the trickster tale – especially when they realize the true trickster of the story!

Review excerpt:

• Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award, 2004
• Pura Belprei Illustrator Award, 2004

From Booklist: “Like the text, the rich, lively artwork draws strongly upon Mexican culture.”

From CCBC: “Yuyi Morales’s original trickster tail highlights numerous Mexican cultural traditions.”

Connections:

• Try reading this to a high school Spanish class.
• Can be included in a story time theme of counting books, including:
• Falwell, Cathryn, Feast for 10 ISBN: 9780395620373
• Martin, Bill, Chicka Chicka 123 ISBN: 9780439731072
• Other books by Yuyi Morales:
• Just In Case: A Trickster Tale and Spanish Alphabet Book ISBN: 9781596433298
• Nino Wrestles the World ISBN: 9781596436046
• Viva Frida! ISBN: 9781596436039
• .pdf of 8-page Teacher’s Guide: http://www.chroniclebooks.com/landing-pages/pdfs/Just_A_min.pdf

Bibliography

Cover, Mount Juliet, Tennessee. Personal photograph by Amy Wilson. September 22, 2016.

Morales, Y. (2003). Just a minute: A trickster tale and counting book. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books LLC.